SARA VAHA'AKOLO-NGAIKA
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Compassionate and community-focused professional with a background in behavioral counseling, crisis intervention, and academic advising. Known for a transparent, ethical approach and strong interpersonal skills, developed through years of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Recently completed a Money Management course through Te Wānanga, building practical financial literacy and reinforcing a commitment to responsible financial stewardship. Eager to apply these skills in a Treasurer role, offering integrity, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset to support the financial health and transparency of community-focused organizations. Open and enthusiastic about ongoing professional training to upskill and perform the role to a high standard.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health and Addictions Clinician
Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa
Mt Wellington , Auckland
07.2024 - Current
- Counseling & Client Support Skills:Built rapport and trust with clients/tangata whaiora and their whānau to engage them in the therapeutic process.
Collaborated with clients to set goals and develop actionable recovery plans.
Utilized evidence-based tools for client assessment, guiding personalized treatment plans.
Supported clients in developing daily living skills, enhancing independence. - Monitored client well-being and adjusted interventions for optimal care.
- Shared mental health and addiction knowledge, contributing to staff capacity building.
- Adhered to organizational policies, procedures, and client rights.
- Managed substance dependence and client risks, ensuring accurate documentation.
- Developed safety and risk management plans, including relapse prevention.
- Led risk interventions, guiding staff and prioritizing client safety.
- Ensured high-quality client documentation, coaching colleagues for consistency.
- Facilitated timely health interventions and referrals as needed.
- Actively contributed to team meetings and client care strategies.
- Provided clients and families with information for informed decision-making.
- Participated in professional training, supervision, and development activities.
- Maintained a safe work environment, adhering to Health and Safety policies.
- Incorporated Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles for culturally appropriate support.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and effectively engaged with diverse clients.
- Provided support and advocacy for individuals affected by various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
- Delivered counseling and emotional support in both individual and group settings, maintaining confidentiality and building trust with clients
Guidance Counsellor
Private Practice
, Auckland
02.2022 - Current
- Managed income and advertising strategies to support organizational goals.
- Coordinated resourcing and secured indemnity insurance for operations.
- Developed contracts and set goals to align with client needs and outcomes.
- Connected families with appropriate support agencies and resources.
- Conducted research to inform practice and improve client outcomes.
- Worked with adolescents to develop skills and tools for emotional, social, and relational growth.
- Participated in supervision to review practice and seek guidance for continuous improvement.
Guidance Counselor
Elim Christian College
Mt Albert , Auckland
02.2021 - 07.2024
- Provided therapeutic support to students, parents, and staff, fostering a positive school culture.
- Collaborated with placement liaison to address ethical, safety, and workload concerns.
- Created contracts, set goals, and applied research to enhance student progress.
- Helped students develop emotional, social, and relational skills.
- Supported and advocated for individuals experiencing various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional harm.
- Delivered compassionate counseling and emotional guidance in individual and group settings, ensuring confidentiality and building a foundation of trust with clients.
- Engaged in supervision to refine practice and receive feedback.
- Advocated for students and worked to eliminate barriers to success.
- Built strong relationships with students and parents to strengthen the counseling process.
- Led conflict resolution, peer mediation, and transition planning.
- Coordinated crisis interventions for students in challenging situations.
Guidance Counsellor
Elim Christian College
Botany, Auckland
02.2020 - 07.2024
- Collaborated as part of a team to support students, parents, and staff.
- Provided therapeutic support to students, and occasionally to parents and staff.
- Offered guidance and advocacy to individuals facing various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma.
- Provided personalized counseling and individual emotional support, maintaining client confidentiality and cultivating trust.
- Liaised with placement liaison on ethical, safety, and workload concerns, and provided guidance.
- Developed contracts and goals, utilizing research to enhance student outcomes.
- Helped students develop emotional, social, and relational skills.
- Participated in supervision consultations for ongoing professional development.
- Advocated for students’ needs, working to remove barriers to success.
- Built trusting relationships with students and parents to foster confidence in the counseling process.
- Facilitated conflict resolution, peer mediation, and transition planning.
- Consulted with families and staff to improve student social and academic performance.
- Provided and coordinated crisis interventions for students facing challenging situations.
Guidance Counsellor
Elim Christian College
Golflands Campus, Auckland
02.2020 - 07.2024
- Provided therapeutic support to students, parents, and staff, fostering a positive school environment.
- Liaised with placement liaison on ethical, safety, and workload concerns.
- Developed contracts, set goals, and utilized research to improve student outcomes.
- Supported students in developing emotional, social, and relational skills.
- Participated in supervision for ongoing practice development and guidance.
- Advocated for students’ needs within the school system, removing barriers to success.
- Built trusting relationships with students and parents to enhance the counseling process.
- Facilitated conflict resolution, peer mediation, and transition planning for students.
- Coordinated crisis interventions for students facing life challenges.
Counsellor
Friendship House
Manukau City , Auckland
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided therapeutic services to adults, students, and parents, focusing on emotional, social, and relational development.
- Collaborated with Whānau Resilience and Social Workers to support client needs.
- Offered assistance and advocacy to individuals impacted by different types of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and emotional trauma.
- Provided one-on-one emotional support while ensuring confidentiality and fostering a trusting environment for clients.
- Conducted client intakes, developed individualized treatment plans, and maintained confidentiality.
- Utilized therapeutic techniques such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and ACT to address client goals.
- Delivered psycho-education to enhance clients' coping strategies and emotional regulation.
- Applied crisis intervention strategies and taught clients how to manage distress and emotional triggers.
- Documented client progress in Exess and consulted with line managers on ethical concerns and workload management.
- Engaged in regular supervision and professional development to refine clinical skills.
School Counseling Practicum Student
Elim Christian College
Botany, Auckland
02.2018 - 12.2019
- Provided therapeutic support to students, parents, and staff.
- Collaborated with placement liaison on ethical and safety concerns.
- Developed and implemented contracts and goals for student progress.
- Conducted research to inform counseling practices.
- Helped students develop emotional, social, and relational skills.
- Engaged in supervision for ongoing professional development.
- Worked with parents and teachers to apply consistent behavioral techniques.
- Attended professional development sessions to enhance skills.
- Facilitated anger management, emotional coping, and social skills.
Education
Te Tohu Whakahaere Pūtea
Te Wānanga O Aotearoa
Auckland11-2021
Bachelor of Counselling -
Laidlaw College
Auckland 02.2021
Toi Maruata Certificate In Maori And Indigenous Art (Level 3) -
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Mangere Campus07.2019
He Papa Tikanga -
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Auckland, NZ11-2018
Diploma In Relational Studies -
Laidlaw College
Manukau 04.2018
Skills
Counseling Modalities:
- Person-Centered Counseling
- Narrative Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Restorative Approach
- ACT, CBT, and DBT
- Crisis Intervention
Core Skills:
- Is able to use tools and strategies to build and protect assets as life and financial needs change
- Understands how to compare financial services, products, and providers to make informed choices
- Goal Setting & Emotional Regulation
- Active Listening & Trust Building
- Client Advocacy
- Strong Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Culturally Sensitive
- Time & Self-Management
- Organized and Reliable
Personal Attributes:
- Empathic Listener
- Committed, Respectful, and Resilient
- Lifelong Learner with a Strong Work Ethic
- Willingness to Learn
References
- Available upon request.
Timeline
Mental Health and Addictions Clinician
Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoa
07.2024 - Current
Counsellor
Friendship House
06.2023 - 05.2024
Guidance Counsellor
Private Practice
02.2022 - Current
Guidance Counselor
Elim Christian College
02.2021 - 07.2024
Guidance Counsellor
Elim Christian College
02.2020 - 07.2024
Guidance Counsellor
Elim Christian College
02.2020 - 07.2024
School Counseling Practicum Student
Elim Christian College
02.2018 - 12.2019
Te Tohu Whakahaere Pūtea
Te Wānanga O Aotearoa
Bachelor of Counselling -
Laidlaw College
Toi Maruata Certificate In Maori And Indigenous Art (Level 3) -
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
He Papa Tikanga -
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Diploma In Relational Studies -
Laidlaw College
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